If you hire an employee through preferential treatment, you risk ruining your relationship with your other staff members.
To some employers, it’s all about hiring the safer option. But nepotism in the workplace is more than just promoting your partner to a senior level.
It is arguably unethical, unprofessional, and demeaning for employees who feel they deserved the role. It can also lead to broken employee relationships and retention – not to mention discrimination claims.
In this guide, we’ll discover the meaning of nepotism, Ireland’s laws on discrimination, and how to prevent nepotism in your business.
What is nepotism in the workplace?
Nepotism is when a person, or organisation, uses their authority to display favouritism towards closely related people.
The causes of nepotism usually come from an employer hiring or promoting friends/family over a qualified employee who lacks direct relation. The practise often ignores formal recruitment or promotional procedures.
In today’s world, for financial benefit, nepotism branches out into wider forms.
But it isn’t solely used for hiring close acquaintances. When employers bend work rules or let disciplinaries slip for employees who are on friendlier terms, this counts as nepotism too.
What are the effects of nepotism in the workplace?
In the workplace, nepotism is seen as unprofessional and unethical. It causes great rifts within the workforce, leaving staff feeling resentful, frustrated, and unvalued.
The causes of nepotism can lead to a hostile working environment; where employees choose to leave or raise discrimination claims.
It can be disheartening to see underqualified or undeserved employees win opportunities. And those who receive favourable treatment may experience isolation at work.
Both sides of nepotism don’t provide any favours for employers, or their business. And it certainly doesn’t help create a comfortable and inclusive workplace.
Is nepotism illegal in Ireland?
Nepotism is arguably a clear sign of workplace discrimination and can prove to be infuriating for employees who are suffering from it. However, there are no anti-nepotism laws outlined in Ireland.
It can prove to be infuriating for employees who are suffering from it. However, there is no legislation that states nepotism is unlawful in Ireland.
Yet, under the Employment Equality Acts (1998-2015), you can’t treat an employee unfavourably. You must prevent all forms of discrimination and ensure equality at work.
Nepotism rules and practices only encourage workplace toxicity. Frustrated employees will eventually look for employment elsewhere and potentially raise claims of discrimination and unfair treatment.
What about networking?
It’s important to note that whilst networking and nepotism are commonly linked, they’re not entirely the same.
Getting to know someone within your line of work can be beneficial for both staff and employers. It’s almost the same as hunting for clients or job prospects.
With networking, the main difference is you’re making your own way towards a target. Nepotism, on the other hand, involves reaching a target by using favourable treatment through connections.
If someone qualifies for the role and isn’t receiving favouritism, networking isn’t a bad tool to utilise.
How do you prevent nepotism in the workplace?
There are many methods for preventing nepotism within the workplace. But the most important aim as an employer is to prevent unconscious bias and unlawful discrimination.
Employers should provide managers with unconscious bias training. Teach them to make objective decisions. And when it comes to recruitment, ask whether anyone has any affiliations with the potential candidates.
An anti-nepotism policy will show your efforts for keeping objective during your work practises. Employees must acknowledge your reasons for hiring or promoting someone, and you must ensure your decisions hold no grounds for preferential treatment.
How to report nepotism in the workplace
Employees should be able to raise a nepotism claim if they believe they’ve witnessed or suffered from it. You should:
- Include how to report claims through your grievance procedure.
- Open an investigation for the claim.
- Collect evidence and witness accounts.
- Hold a grievance meeting to discuss the claim.
- Decide on the outcome and provide it in writing.
Prevent nepotism in the workplace with Peninsula Ireland
All employers should aim to have unbiased treatment when hiring or promoting staff. And they should aim for zero-tolerance when it comes to workplace discrimination.
There might be situations where your staff have concerns about workplace nepotism or hiring choices. Allow them to raise their case and follow through with fair investigations and procedures – with no fear of repercussions.
Without fair treatment, you could face a breakdown in employee relations and loyalty. And any case of discrimination could result in attending appeal tribunals or paying costly compensation.
Peninsula can help you prevent nepotism; and offers support with growing a workspace of equal opportunities. Our clients also get access to 24/7 HR consultation for employee relations and wellbeing.
And if you’re not yet a client, you can still enjoy free advice from one of our business experts. Simply call us on 1890 252 923
